Friday, June 27, 2014

I sort of feel like I did when I was a kid, back in the day. My summer routine has been very nice and I am doing what I want when I want.....like kids do.
I am very much a person who NEEDS a schedule but relaxing it here and there is a good idea too.
This morning I put this Flying Geese piece together while I was waiting to leave for Zumba. I used a quick method and loved the results (read pretty accurate). I think some more of these will be in my future.

I am also playing around with an 18 x 18 quilt for our quilt show mini raffle. Examples are good for guild members, it gets them going when they see some finished pieces....hint hint Penn, Oaks Members.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Today I stopped in at The Quilt Block, my LQS. The beautiful blue polka dot fabric is Snowbird by Laundry Basket Quilts from MODA. I also picked up this Urban Nine Patch pattern that I have been wanting to make.

Jan and Cynthia asked me to demo the ruler this Saturday from 10 to 12 and also to do a 4 hour class in July. The inventor, Jenny Pedigo was quite a hit at Quilt Market. So if you are local, stop by and see me on Saturday.

Today is a rather daunting anniversary for me. Four years ago a tree fell on my car during a bad storm and broke my neck. If you are interested in hearing the story you can read about it here. It is amazing how much different I am today, and I am thankful to still be here.
Ok now this is really strange as I glanced down at the time to get ready to post this, it is the exact same time the tree fell. Cue in the twilight zone music!!No storm clouds in the sky today!

Monday, June 23, 2014

A few months back I participated in a Skinny Pincushion Swap over at Amy's blog, Amy Made That.
Well now she is hosting a Needle Keeper Swap. I have not sent mine out yet but wanted to show you anyway. It's a secret so I can't tell you the name of my partner.

I like the little "book binding" on the edge, it makes it feel like a real little book.

I think this is sweet.....

I used some beautiful hand dyed wool that i bought at a quilt show for the inside.

My gardens are coming along. This was taken early evening last night. The rose bush was a transplant and I am still not sure if it is going to make it.

My sister in law, Ann gave me these sunflowers this year after I admired hers last year.

The zinnias are starting to bloom, one of my favorites!

Not a weed to be found, well at least today......

My poinsettias made it through the winter and I planted them. I am not so sure I like them in the summer....

The knockout roses grew a bunch too. I still have just a few things to plant and then I can enjoy them for the rest of the summer.
What is your favorite flower, is it kind of like picking your favorite child? Impossible?

Saturday, June 21, 2014

I came across the most amazing idea (well in my world). There is a movement called Little Free Library and it is the coolest thing! They encourage people to make or buy little birdhouse type structures, put them in front of their house or business and fill them with books. The public is invited to take a book and leave a book for others to read, all for free!
Imagine my surprise when I found a house only a couple miles away that is participating! If you go to the site you can actually find a map where these little libraries can be found. So go see if there is one near you. If anyone gets a book I want to know!

In the past month or so I have put out some thought provoking questions and I have very much enjoyed all the comments that were left with lots of opinions. I thank everyone for being so honest yet respectful. Some people blog for fame and fortune, some to start a business and some just do it for fun and friendship or to journal their quilting life. I fall into the latter category. I am happy to share what I know or don't know and I enjoy meeting all the quilters that I have met near and far. I have learned a lot too, like think before you type. A careless comment can crush someone who may have worked hours figuring something out or working on something they love, even if you don't. We all know the saying "there are many ways to skin a cat" (seriously? how many could there be?). There are also many different ways to quilt and get the same results.
I think blogging is here to stay, it seems like everyone enjoys a good blog post over a Facebook post. Well at least from the comments you all left, thanks again!

Friday, June 20, 2014

I am home at last! It was a wonderful visit with my sister and her family in the heartland of our country. Yes there are lots and lots of farms everywhere you look.

I think yard sales are a way of life out there. I found this apron, it says "a good mixer" on the pocket. I had to have it. It was $1.50.

Another pretty apron with a lace pocket. The fabric in this will be used in something......

I also found some more vintage embroideries....there is a project planned.

My sister, Flynn gave me this one that my grandmother made.

We also went to Hobby Lobby, my first time! I found some good books to check out over the summer. We seriously need a Hobby Lobby around here.

How can my sewing room look like this when I have not even been home? The trash can overflowing, how tacky!

So today I did laundry, went to the grocery store, the bank, cleaned up, in general I restored some order to my house. I teased my husband when I got home yesterday and said " I think some teenagers must have broken into the house today while you were at work and had a party"......he smiled and said, what's for dinner?
Some things never change.....
Kelly

Sunday, June 8, 2014

I have noticed for some time now that it feels blogging is on the down slide. Instagram and Facebook seem to be taking a bigger foot hold.
Last week I read a blog post by a popular quilter with thousands of followers. She was talking about how it was easier for her to use Instagram than to do a blog post. She asked her followers if they would rather follow her on Instagram, Facebook or her blog. A good many followed her on all 3 but the majority agreed they like the blog the best. More information, pictures, instructions etc.

I am not on Instagram, I am on Facebook and obviously I blog. I love blogging, it feels like it's a more personal, specific audience that I relate with on a weekly basis. Facebook has it's merits but to me it feels a little more like "bragging" where as blogging feels like sharing.

If you are a blogger where do you think blogging is going? If you aren't a blogger what is your favorite "place " and why? I am not sure that I will be changing all that much, but it is food for thought.

I am hoping to post in the next 2 days as I will be off on an adventure by myself to visit my sister. I am driving to Illinois (13 hours) with my sewing machine, plants and other miscellaneous things that don't work with a plane. I will try to post while I am there.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

I live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country. Usually by now we are already into the hazy, hot and humid part of summer. Not this year! It has been gorgeous, sunny and warm with cool breezes and no humidity. I would love a summer of mid '70 temperatures.
It has been perfect weather to get the garden in order too, which means I have not been sewing. I am still pecking along with my Farmer's Wife blocks. I am feeling I need to come to a decision to make all or some of the blocks.

Our guild quilt show is next May, a quick short year away. I pulled some fabrics to make a little raffle quilt that was a success last time around. We make these instead of doing a large raffle quilt. Each member is encouraged to make a quilt 18 x 18 using any theme they wish. Attendees can buy tickets for any quilts they want with a chance to win at the end of the show. The size and variety were a good draw.
Now that I am looking at this picture that bottom green is not showing up too well.

This one might be better....

I have all these blocks sewn into rows and now need to sew those rows together. This will be my next goal to get off the UFO pile.

This finally went out to the quilter. I am so happy to have this one it's way! Why did I procrastinate for so long?
How do you balance summer and sewing? The urge to be outside is strong along with parties, graduations, vacations and does not leave a lot of time to get in the sewing room.